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Hi everyone,Just wondering if there is a significant difference between a new steinway A (6'2)And a "golden age" A2 (6'2) complete rebuild. I've read that the long A (6'4.5) was the best design of the A's. Yet when steinway brought the model back it's the 6'2 size.

The "big" A is another level better than the older designs. Many pianists find them nearly as satisfying as a model B. All model A's can benefit from a set of wound strings designed with a more even elongation than the factory specs. The result is clear tone to the bottom note and less hoots when you play loudly.

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In a seemingly infinite universe-infinite human creativity is-seemingly possible.According to NASA, 93% of the earth like planets possible in the known universe have yet to be formed. Contact: Ed@LightHammerpiano.com

Hi everyone,Just wondering if there is a significant difference between a new steinway A (6'2)And a "golden age" A2 (6'2) complete rebuild. I've read that the long A (6'4.5) was the best design of the A's. Yet when steinway brought the model back it's the 6'2 size.

Steinway didn't so much "bring back" the Model A as bring it over. It has been produced in Hamburg right along

The long A is a much better piano but it is too close to the B to be comfortable.

That makes sense but just recently I visited the steinway dealer here in Canada (toronto) and the list price for a new A and B were the same. The salesman said that there was very little diference between the two in terms of the soundboard. The shape of the A being wide at the back. He didn't say anything about the string length though

I've never seen a new A priced higher than a new B. What prices were you quoted and what is the name of this dealer? OR was the A case a fancy wood one?

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In a seemingly infinite universe-infinite human creativity is-seemingly possible.According to NASA, 93% of the earth like planets possible in the known universe have yet to be formed. Contact: Ed@LightHammerpiano.com

That makes sense but just recently I visited the steinway dealer here in Canada (toronto) and the list price for a new A and B were the same. The salesman said that there was very little diference between the two in terms of the soundboard. The shape of the A being wide at the back. He didn't say anything about the string length though

There are similarities between the old, longer Model A (out of production for years) and the Model B. The differences between the current Model A and the Model B are substantial. I would suggest the salesman was not being entirely forthright.

Either this was simply a mistake on the part of the representative, or there is an issue related to the finish. It is true that our published New York retail price on the model "A" in certain natural wood finishes is higher than that of a model "B" in the standard satin ebony finish.

Sorry about that, everyone - the "anonymous" nature of my earlier post was not intentional. I thought I was posting as "Bob S" - which is the only way I have posted now for several years. Clearly the logon and password info is too similar!

When I first joined pianoworld quite a few years ago, I did so as simply a person who loves pianos because I felt (correctly) that my identity would do nothing but make it impossible for many people to interact with me objectively. But - after a brief amount of time, I made the easy decision to join as myself - which is the only way I've posted now for the past several years (feel free to do a search if you are skeptical).

I have always tried to be reasoned and objective in my posts, and will generally stay out of the fray when things get intense. Frankly, it is difficult at times because the other forum in particular has such a profoundly institutionalized anti-Steinway bias. But - I choose to not enter the arena when the mud starts flying around. I do not spend much time at all in this forum, because I am not a technician; the reason I came today is that it showed up on my alerts... so I thought it would be a very easy item for which I could provide objective, verifiable information.

So - no, I am not a dealer. I am a Steinway & Sons employee, beginning my 32nd year of association with the company. That's the reason I used the word "our" in reference to the published New York Retail price list.

There are several folks here who know me personally - and who, I believe, will confirm that I am someone who does not play games.

so there you have it!

In the meantime, I did contact the manager of the Toronto store; he is puzzled by what was said as to the B vs. A pricing as well, as this does not reflect the store's pricing on the two instruments.

Bottom line, in equal finishes, the A has a retail price that is less than the B !

Fully confident that this is much more of an answer than just about any of you wanted, I wish you all my best!

I do not know where you are on Vancouver Island - but one of my happiest summers ever was on a little island across from Campbell River - - Quadra Island - 45 years ago. This is, without any doubt, one of the most beautiful spots on this planet.

I do not know where you are on Vancouver Island - but one of my happiest summers ever was on a little island across from Campbell River - - Quadra Island - 45 years ago. This is, without any doubt, one of the most beautiful spots on this planet.

Yes, we like to think we are living very close to God's country here. Thanks.To see my story about tuning a piano on a remote island on the west coast check out my tuning website under stories.Tuning in Nuchatlitz